Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HPV vaccination among pharmacy students and other health science students

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is an effective way to prevent cervical cancer. In Vietnam, there has been a lack of research specifically targeting the student population in the field of health sciences. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess HPV vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and practices among health science students in Vietnam, focusing on differences between pharmacy students and other health science students. MethodsThe study used a cross-sectional descriptive design, conducted at a medical university in southern Vietnam. This survey was managed by Google Form which was distributed online to students via posts on Facebook and student chat groups on health science courses on Message, Zalo. ResultsOut of the 1010 students surveyed, 213 (21.1%) were pharmacy students. There was no difference between pharmacy and non-pharmacy students in terms of knowledge scores about HPV, cervical cancer (median = 7 vs. median = 7, p = 0.301), and vaccine knowledge (median = 8 vs. median = 7, p = 0.273). Pharmacy students had a less positive attitude toward HPV, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccines than non-pharmacy students (median = 36 vs. median = 37, p = 0.014). Parents' education level, history of cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccine knowledge, and attitudes toward HPV, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine were identified as significant factors influencing HPV vaccination in the women population. ConclusionPharmacy and non-pharmacy students differ significantly in their attitudes toward HPV, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccines. These findings can help develop educational programs and counseling to improve students' understanding, awareness, and vaccination decisions.